Morecambe goes retro for heritage open days

Morecambe’s heydays will be celebrated next weekend as a series of free heritage events are held.

The town will celebrate its history on Sunday (September 15) when the famous Bradford-to-Morecambe Historic Vehicle Rally - this year celebrating its 25th anniversary - takes place on the promenade.

In addition, the Platform will be transformed into a vintage village hall and tearoom and free trips aboard a double-decker bus along the front to Heysham will give visitors the best views of the bay.

Other festivities include a celebration of 1930s Morecambe with an art deco guided walk and a display of classic motorbikes at the Winter Gardens.

The attractions form part of a Heritage Open Days programme across Morecambe and Lancaster, which will historic buildings opened up and the public given the opportunity to explore the district’s hidden gems.

Dubbed the ‘biggest free celebration of England’s history and culture’, places of every age, style and function will be open to visitors from Thursday (September 12) to Sunday.

More than 30 events, including guided tours, aim to bring local history to life.

Entry fees at many attractions will be waived and buildings which are usually closed to the public will be opened up.

They include Lancaster Town Hall, the Quaker Meeting House in Lancaster and the Lady Freemasons Lodge in Morecambe.

There will also be canal boat tours and history walks along Lancaster Canal and around Lancaster Castle to the quayside beyond.

Coun Ron Sands, Lancaster City Council’s cabinet member for culture and tourism, said: “Our district is blessed with buildings of every age, style and function and the open days will give both local people and visitors a once-a-year chance to discover hidden architectural treasures.

“This year’s programme of tours, events and activities promises to be bigger and better than ever before and includes some absolute gems that are making their first appearance in the programme.”

Although most events are free, people are advised to book ahead for some activities because of limited places.

Programmes are available from visitor information centres and Lancaster and Morecambe town halls, or visit HERE

Heritage Open Days are held across England each September to celebrate the country’s rich architecture and culture, offering free access to places usually shut to the public or which charge an admission price.